BUK hosts global experts conference on rangeland sustainability, resilience

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has hosted the much-anticipated International Conference on Drylands, drawing academics, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners from across the globe.

The event organised by BUK’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), on Tuesday, focused on the theme “Promoting Sustainability and Resilience of Rangelands: Present and Future Outlook,” addressing critical challenges facing dryland regions in Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the conference, BUK’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Services, Professor Haruna Musa, delivered a message on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, on the importance of the gathering in tackling issues affecting rangelands, which are vital ecosystems for livelihoods, biodiversity, and food security.

Prof. Abbas highlighted the pressing challenges, such as climate change, land degradation, and socio-economic transformations that threaten the sustainability of these regions.

He remarked, “This year’s theme could not have been more timely or relevant. It is imperative that we bring science, innovation, policy, and local knowledge together to create a resilient and sustainable future for our drylands.”

Read Also: Promoting climate-smart agriculture through farmers’ empowerment scheme

SolaceBase reports that the Vice-Chancellor’s message further underscored BUK’s role as a leader in dryland research, training, and engagement, noting that the CDA, supported by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) as an Africa Centre of Excellence, has made significant strides in advancing scientific understanding and building capacity in dryland development.

In a remark, Professor Jibril M. Jibril, the Director of the CDA, spoke about the Centre’s significant contributions to the conference and dryland research.

He expressed pride in the ongoing efforts of the CDA to bring together diverse stakeholders, including international experts, to work on solutions for the sustainability of drylands.

Professor Jibril emphasized the importance of innovation in tackling the myriad challenges facing rangelands, particularly in the face of climate change and land degradation.

On his part, the Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha, represented by Festus Iyayi, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the CDA, particularly on issues related to rangelands and livestock, emphasizing the importance of collaborative discussions in addressing these challenges.

Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Iliyasu Gital, acknowledged the critical role of rangelands in northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

He stressed the need for practical, innovative solutions to the challenges facing dryland agriculture, particularly in light of the extreme climate conditions affecting the region.

The former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission and former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rashid, offering reflections on the CDA’s journey and the vital role of rangelands in the country’s economy praised the CDA for its achievements and its continued efforts in addressing the challenges facing dryland areas, calling for a collaborative approach to tackling land degradation and conflicts that have made certain rangelands inhospitable.

Read Also: Tinubu approves committee for livestock industry reforms

The keynote address was delivered by Professor John Morton, a renowned development anthropologist and expert in rangeland management.

He provided insights into the upcoming International Year of Rangelands in 2026, which was declared by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of healthy rangelands in creating sustainable environments, fostering economic growth, and supporting resilient livelihoods.

Professor Morton highlighted the role of scientific research and community involvement in advancing these goals and called for a more nuanced discussion about the role of livestock in global warming, advocating for a balanced perspective on the contribution of pastoralists to climate change.

Throughout the conference, participants will engage in plenary sessions, technical presentations, policy dialogues, and field visits, all aimed at generating solutions for the sustainable management of rangelands.

The event provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration among leading voices in academia, government, civil society, and the private sector.